Students from The Central School, Scoil Mhuire na mBuachaillí and Scoil nCailiní are to stage an evening of storytelling in the Iontas Centre on Wednesday 16th February next commencing at 7pm.
 
Since the beginning of term, three senior classes in the schools have been learning how to gather, learn and tell stories and now they’re ready to show what they can do.
 
Storyteller Susie Minto has been working with each class for two hours a week, covering topics such as folk tales, gathering local stories, interviewing the oldest person in each child’s network – and even creating a new myth for Castleblayney!
 
In addition, many new stories have been spawned from using everyday objects and art pictures as prompts. The students have learned techniques to aid memory and looked at the technical aspects to the craft of the storyteller.
 
Susie said: “The children have taken to this project with great enthusiasm. Every week their confidence in creating and telling stories has grown stronger. It is so satisfying to see. The teachers have been a great support, encouraging the students to practise telling their stories.”
 
Even though the emphasis on the project is on the oral arts, the students have been gathering their stories and illustrations in personal files so they have a permanent record of their work. These will be on display at the concert on the 16th and perhaps at a later date in the library.
 
Tommy Mc Guire, Manager of Castleblayney Community Enterprise, said: “This project is truly unique in all aspects, promotion of the art of storytelling to the involvement of primary and post primary schools in the town. Furthermore the project will not only preserve culture and deal with issues of integration and peace building but will also enhance education and create good humoured entertainment.
 
He praised in particular the input from the schools who are participating in the storytelling residency and the teachers involved namely Ciara Mc Bennett – Scoil na gCailiní, Emma Swinburne – Scoil Mhuire na mBuachaillí and Iris Kirland – the Central School. He concluded by thanking Susie Minto fro the professional manner in which she carried out the workshops and her enthusiastic approach over all.”
 
The project, which is being co-ordinated by the Manager of Castleblayney Community Enterprise Centre, Tommy McGuire comprises part of the “One Community Different Cultures” project, which is a joint initiative between Castleblayney Enterprise Centre and both Castleblayney College and Our Lady’s Secondary School. This project is part financed by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund through the Peace III Programme and funded through Monaghan Peace III Partnership.
 
Everyone is welcome, no admission to this event.